Thinking of buying a Z...
 

Ok guys you sound pretty friendly so I'll ask for advice. Me and my friend want a new project car and stumbled across a 83' 280zx (non-turbo) for 800 bucks. Its got about 300k on it and as far as we have heard (test driving it today after sleep) it runs great still. Where can i get a turbo, intake, exhaust, body kit, etc. for it. if you can give me some ideas on where to look that would be sweet. I've Already been searching (found some intakes) but nothing much.

for sake of not starting another arguement, you CAN turn your NA into a turbo given the time money SKILL and part availability, but it is easier to do a turbo motor swap or find a turbo 280ZX. the reasons why it is easier and more practical, is the turbo models have different pistons, head, ECU, fuel delivery systems, and the obvious, exhaust manifold, TURBO, blahda blahda. If you where to just slap in a turbo and call it a good day with all the NA internals, say hello to Mr. Detonation! If you are in a location where you just can't get a turbo motor and need to do it yourself (props to Skully) then by all means do it, and have fun, just make sure you do it all right the first time, cause if you don't, there most likely won't be a second chance for that motor. Oh, I believe they also had different trannys too.

None the less, $800 is a great price, I'm assueming the intakes you've found are on Ebay, right. I have one on my 1980 280ZX and it does work well, especially for $35 shipped! Some places to shop around at are www.zcarparts.com and www.jagsthatrun.com If you get interested in the big bore kit, It's a little cheaper through http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan..._nismo_borekit

hope this all helps, where are you located, and is a coupe or 2+2 ZX?

ugh!
 

I was afraid of that...its a 2+2 btw.

I think it is possible already has the big-bore kit...not positive though...and I live in Champaign, IL.

If it does have a stroked and/or big bore kit then it might be set up for NA performance with higher compression and a longer duration cam. Forget about turboing that engine. Rering it or rebuild it. Get a 3.9 LSD rear and call it good.

Thanks for the parts sites we are gonna clean it up an see how she runs...if we dont get all the power we want we will be selling the motor an dropping a v8 in.

Might as well just take that NA out and put a turbo motor in it.

yep
 

actually it isn't a 2+2, and we r goin all motor with it right now maybe later throw something in it like a turbo maybe some spray i don't know